Haleakalā is also the home of the rare native plant known in English as silversword.

Haleakalā is also the home of the rare native plant known in English as silversword.

Photo: Jeanne Cooper

Haleakalā is also the home of the rare native plant known in... Photo-5262563.71193 - SFGate

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Taboola Gallery Frame Item-85307.71193 - SFGate

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The dramatic plume of sulfurous ash billowing from Kīlauea's Halemaʻumaʻu crater for the last five years has only added to the allure of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, which sees upwards of 1.5 million visitors yearly. less

The dramatic plume of sulfurous ash billowing from Kīlauea's Halemaʻumaʻu crater for the last five years has only added to the allure of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, which sees upwards of 1.5 million ... more

Kīlauea has been continuously erupting for more than 30 years. While seeing lava meet the sea may require a long hike from Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, many visitors enjoy seeing the hardened formations of previous flows. less

Kīlauea has been continuously erupting for more than 30 years. While seeing lava meet the sea may require a long hike from Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, many visitors enjoy seeing the hardened formations ... more

Photo: Kirk Lee Aeder, HTA

Kīlauea has been continuously erupting for more than 30 years.... Photo-5262565.71193 - SFGate

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The steam banks in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park are easy to access, thanks to a boardwalk that starts near the visitors center.

The steam banks in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park are easy to access, thanks to a boardwalk that starts near the visitors center.

Riding a mule down the nearly 3-mile trail with 26 switchbacks and a 1,700-foot-descent is part of the appeal of visiting Kalaupapa, which limits the number of tourists to protect residents' privacy and the environment. less

Riding a mule down the nearly 3-mile trail with 26 switchbacks and a 1,700-foot-descent is part of the appeal of visiting Kalaupapa, which limits the number of tourists to protect residents' privacy and the ... more